Sembawang Or Toa Payoh: Which HDB BTO Sales Launch February 2020 Should You Apply For?
If you’re planning to or already did the “Ai BTO mai” tango.
You’re probably aware that the February 2020 HDB BTO launch includes Sembawang (non-matured estate) and Toa Payoh (matured estate).
So… which BTO should you pick?
Let’s have a closer look, shall we?
Note: You can apply online by 17 February 2020 (Monday) 11:59 pm. Successful applicants will be determined by a computer ballot, and NOT on a first-come, first-served basis.
TL;DR: An Overview of the HDB BTO Sales Launch Feb 2020
| HDB BTO February 2020 | Canberra Vista (Sembawang) | Kim Keat Ripples (off Toa Payoh East) | Toa Payoh Ridge (off Toa Payoh Rise) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estate Type | Non-Mature | Mature | Mature |
| Flats Available | 1,467 | 708 | 920 |
| Flat Types Available | 2-Room Flexi 3-Room 4-Room 5-Room 3Gen | 2-Room Flexi 4-Room | 2-Room Flexi 3-Room 4-Room |
| Indicative Price Range (excluding grants) | 2-Room Flexi $89,000 - $141,000 3-Room $177,000 - $210,000 4-Room $272,000 - $320,000 5-Room $350,000 - $406,000 3Gen $355,000 - $411,000 | 2-Room Flexi $90,000 - $184,000 3-Room $351,000 - $446,000 4-Room $395,000 - $666,000 |
|
| 4-Room Price (including grants) | From $212,000 | From $350,000 | |
| Selection Of Flat | March to August 2020 | ||
| Estimated Possession Date | 30 April to 31 July 2025 | 31 May to 30 June 2025 | 31 Jan to 28 Feb 2026 |
| Nearest Expressways | Seletar Expressway (SLE) | Central Expressway (CTE) Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) | Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) |
| Nearest Malls | Canberra Plaza (under construction) Sembawang Shopping Centre Northpoint City Sun Plaza | Toa Payoh Hub | Junction 8 Toa Payoh Hub |
| Nearest MRT Stations | Canberra MRT | Potong Pasir MRT Toa Payoh MRT | Braddell MRT Caldecott MRT |
| Nearest Schools | Ahmad Ibrahim Primary Canberra Primary Endeavour Primary Northoaks Primary Sembawang Primary Wellington Primary Yishun Primary Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary Canberra Secondary Northland Secondary Sembawang Secondary | St. Andrew's Secondary St. Andrew's JC | CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh) CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) Marymount Convent Raffles Girls' Secondary Raffles Institution |
The One with the Highest Potential
The Canberra Vista BTO in Sembawang, Canberra isn’t (traditionally) in the most popular neighbourhood.
But if the recent and upcoming developments are any indications, this is an area with plenty of promise.
So if you want to live somewhere that isn’t overcrowded.
And is probably easier on the pockets, then this BTO launch might be worth considering it.
The One Which Everyone Will Be Gunning For
It isn’t often that we see an HDB BTO in a matured estate like Toa Payoh.
Much less two BTO sites in one launch.
So you can bet that every couple will at least consider the Toa Payoh Ridge or Kim Keat Ripples BTO.
Especially since both BTOs are in the vicinity of so many top schools and Toa Payoh Hub (read: lots of good food and a transportation hub).
What If I’m Still Unsure About the Upcoming BTO Launch?
Don’t commit if you’re NOT READY!
If you need help with questions like whether you should go with a bank loan or HDB loan.
Or whether you should you do cash top-ups to fund your HDB BTO purchase.
You can always ask the Seedly Community to clarify your doubts!
After all, buying your first property is a HUGE step!
Sembawang Feb 2020 HDB BTO Launch
Canberra Vista will be located off Canberra Drive.
It will feature 15 ten-storey blocks.
A total of 1,467 units of 2-Room Flexi, 3-Room, 4-Room, 5-Room and 3 Generation flats will be available for application.
How Much Will the Sembawang BTO Flats Cost?
Here are the prices for the most recent Sembawang BTO Launch, Canberra Vista, in February 2020:
| Sembawang BTO Indicative Price February 2020 (excl grants) | |
|---|---|
| 2-Room Flexi | $89,000 - $141,000 |
| 3-Room | $177,000 - $210,000 |
| 4-Room | $272,000 - $320,000 |
| 5-Room | $350,000 - $406,000 |
| 3Gen | $355,000 - $411,000 |
For comparison, here’re the prices for the Sembawang BTO Launch, EastGlen @ Canberra, back in November 2018.
| Sembawang BTO Indicative Price November 2018 (excl grants) | |
|---|---|
| 2-Room Flexi | - |
| 3-Room | From $165,000 |
| 4-Room | From $251,000 |
| 5-Room | From $327,000 |
| 3Gen | - |
And bruv, if you’re thinking, “Aiya, Canberra Vista not too far away from EastGlen… so prices shouldn’t be too far off.
Well…
You’ll notice that starting prices for a 3-Room is approximately $12,000 higher for Canberra Vista.
And if you’re looking at a 5-Room flat, it’ll be around $22,000 higher as compared to the November 2018 launch.
‘Why am I paying so much,” you ask?
First, the latest Sembawang BTO launch will be located right next to Canberra MRT Station, meaning you’re probably paying a premium for convenience.
In case you’re wondering, yes, that plot of land behind the station is where the new Sembawang BTO will be built.
Also, just opposite the new Sembawang BTO will be Canberra Plaza, an integrated shopping mall that is currently being built.
It’s a neighbourhood mall, so expect a supermarket, food court, enrichment centres, clinics and the works.
So yeah…
Expect to pay a premium for that convenience too.
On the plus side, I’m pretty sure your Canberra Vista BTO will confirm appreciate in value when the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) is up.
(Disclaimer: this is not a property investment advice ah… just my opinion.)
What Are the Nearest Shopping Malls?
An important consideration when choosing a neighbourhood to call home would be whether there are any shopping malls nearby.
This is critical as a shopping mall means you’ll have easy access to:
- entertainment (eg. cinema)
- food and beverage
- supermarkets for groceries
- shopping
For the Sembawang BTO February 2020 Launch, you’ll be near:
- Canberra Plaza (under construction; literally just across the road)
- Sembawang Shopping Centre (5 to 8 mins walk)
- Northpoint City (in Yishun)
- Sun Plaza (in Sembawang)
If you’re a foodie, you’ll be pleased to know that Chong Pang Market & Food Centre isn’t too far away either.
What Are the Nearest MRT Stations?
For the Sembawang BTO February 2020 Launch, you’ll be near:
- Canberra MRT Station (NS12)
No need to switch to a feeder bus for the last-mile commute.
What Are the Nearest Schools?
Planning or have children?
For the Sembawang BTO February 2020 Launch, you’ll be near:
| Type | Name of School |
|---|---|
| Primary | Ahmad Ibrahim Primary |
| Canberra Primary | |
| Endeavour Primary | |
| Northoaks Primary | |
| Sembawang Primary | |
| Wellington Primary | |
| Yishun Primary | |
| Secondary | Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary |
| Canberra Secondary | |
| Northland Secondary | |
| Sembawang Secondary |
If you have younger ones to take care of…
There’s a cluster of preschool and childcare centres located around Sembawang Road (about 10 to 15 minutes away).
- Brainy Bunch International Islamic Montessori
- Champkids’ Academy @ Sembawang
- Global Tots Preschool @ Sembawang
- Little Tree House @ Sembawang
- Li’l Einsteins Early Learning Centre
Toa Payoh Feb 2020 HDB BTO Launch
There will be two BTO launches in Toa Payoh.
Kim Keat Ripples
The first is Kim Keat Ripples, which is bordered by Toa Payoh East and Kim Keat Avenue.
It will feature 3 residential blocks ranging from 16 to 31 storeys high.
There will be 708 units of 2-Room Flexi and 4-Room flats available for application.
Toa Payoh Rise
The other option is Toa Payoh Ridge which is located off Toa Payoh Rise.
It will feature 4 residential blocks with staggered heights of between 25 to 40 storeys.
There will be a total of 920 units of 2-room Flexi, 3-, and 4-room flats for you to choose from.
How Much Will The Toa Payoh BTO Flats Cost?
Considering that Toa Payoh is a mature estate, prices will be significantly higher than the BTO prices in Sembawang.
| Toa Payoh BTO Indicative Price February 2020 (excl grants) | |
|---|---|
| 2-Room Flexi^ | $90,000 - $184,000 |
| 3-Room | $351,000 - $446,000 |
| 4-Room | $395,000 - $666,000 |
| 5-Room | - |
| 3Gen | - |
^2-room Flexi flats are offered only to seniors (aged 55 and above) on short leases of between 15 and 45 years, in five-year increments.
For reference, here’re the prices for the last Toa Payoh BTO launch (Kim Keat Beacon) back in May 2018.
| Toa Payoh BTO Indicative Price May 2018 (excl grants) | |
|---|---|
| 2-Room Flexi | - |
| 3-Room | From $245,000 |
| 4-Room | From $380,000 |
| 5-Room | - |
| 3Gen | - |
Note: Both May 2018 and February 2020 launches are separated by Kim Keat Avenue (super close to each other).
Unfortunately, there aren’t any recent BTO launches within the vicinity of Toa Payoh Ridges, so I don’t have a good price gauge.
You’ll notice that the largest jump in price is for a 3-Room BTO — almost $110,000!
Whereas starting prices for a 4-Room BTO is $15,000 higher.
Which is not too bad considering that Toa Payoh is a mature estate.
Imagine if we saw the same price increase for 3-Room BTO flat, for a 4-Room BTO.
Anyways, if you’re deciding between both… here’s my take.
Toa Payoh Ridge is situated between two MRT stations (Caldecott and Braddell; the former will also link you up to the Thompson-East Coast line once it’s completed).
Both of which are about a 5-minute’s walk away.
For Kim Keat Ripples, however, the closest MRT station (Toa Payoh) is about a 10-minute bus ride away.
But Kim Keat Ripples is pretty close to the CTE (Central Expressway) and PIE (Pan Island Expressway)…
Conclusion?
If you regularly use public transportation for your commute, Toa Payoh Ridge is arguably a better choice.
But if you own a car or are planning to buy one, then Kim Keat Ripples is a good option too.
Oh, and one last observation: Kim Keat Ridges is also located next to two Chinese temples.
This means that you can expect a swell of human and vehicular traffic in the neighbourhood during certain auspicious dates.
What Are The Nearest Shopping Malls?
For both Kim Keat Ripples and Toa Payoh Ridges, you’ll have easy access to:
- Toa Payoh Hub
- Toa Payoh Mall
- Toa Payoh Public Library
- Toa Payoh ActiveSG Sports Hall
Toa Payoh Ridges is also not too far away from Bishan where you have access to Junction 8.
What Are The Nearest MRT Stations?
Toa Payoh Ridges is situated between:
- Braddell MRT Station (NS18)
- Caldecott MRT Station (CC17)
Kim Keat Ripples is situated between:
- Potong Pasir MRT Station (NE10)
- Toa Payoh MRT Station (NS19)
But looking at the distance, Toa Payoh Ridges is better for those who intend to commute via public transportation.
Kim Keat Ripples would be better if you intend to drive since you’re right next to the CTE and PIE.
What Are The Nearest Schools?
For the Toa Payoh BTO February 2020 Launch, you’ll be near:
| Type | Name of School |
|---|---|
| Primary | CHIJ Primary (Toa Payoh) |
| Marymount Convent | |
| Secondary | CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) |
| Raffles Girls' Secondary | |
| Raffles Institution | |
| St. Andrew's Secondary | |
| Junior College | St. Andrew's JC |
Those planning to have or currently with children would be pleased to note that you’ll be in the vicinity of A LOT of top schools.
Pay BTO prices to be near a good school?
That’s a price a lot of Singaporean families would be more than willing to accept.
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